From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph T. Scott, 6 March 1803
To Joseph T. Scott
Washington Mar. 6. 1803.
Sir
I recieved yesterday your favor of Feb. 25. it is not in my power to answer your queries relative to Genl. Washington’s family: but I have put your letter into the hands of Colo. Danl. C. Brent, who will be able to give me the information either of his own knolege or from enquiry which he has good means of making, & shall be forwarded to you. Accept assurances of my esteem & respect.
Th: Jefferson
PrC (DLC); at foot of text: “Mr. Joseph Scott Philada”; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso.
Scott’s favor of feb. 25 was recorded in SJL as received 5 Mch. but has not been found. See also TJ to Daniel Carroll Brent, 6 Mch.
Scott’s queries concerned a projected biography of George Washington, which he had proposed publishing as early as December 1799. In seeking out subscribers, Scott claimed to have “obtained in the course of an extensive correspondence, with many gentlemen of talents and information, a large stock of original materials concerning the life of this illustrious Citizen” (Aurora, 28 Dec. 1799).